Wayne Bennett has walked out on a press conference after taking exception to questions about his coaching future at NRL club Brisbane.
On the eve of the Broncos’ clash with Melbourne, Bennett did not want to respond to a media report claiming the Storm’s off-contract coach Craig Bellamy had not ruled out moving to Brisbane next year.
“I am coach here next year, that could change. But if you don’t want to talk about the footy I will leave it at that,” said Bennett before walking off.
Bennett is not off contract until the end of 2019.
Bellamy said in the News Corp report that he had not “ruled out any option” including becoming Broncos head coach or even taking up a coaching consultancy role at Brisbane in future.
Bellamy cut his teeth as a Broncos assistant under Bennett 20 years ago.
It is believed Brisbane are looking at their future options after reportedly missing out on one of their targets, North Queensland mentor Paul Green, when he re-signed with the Cowboys earlier this week.
Before leaving, reporters did have time to ask Bennett for his thoughts on Bellamy becoming the next Broncos coach.
“You had Paul Green here a month ago, now we have moved on,” he said.
“We have a great game of footy tomorrow. Let’s leave the rest of it for you guys to speculate – I certainly don’t want to buy into the rubbish.
“Nothing is permanent, nothing is temporary, even for coaches. I am coach here next year for as far as I know.”
Asked if he could work with Bellamy as a Brisbane co-coach, Bennett said: “I am not responding to any of your speculation.
“You have to get on shows and talk for hours, at the end of the day you have nothing to talk about so you make it up.
“There is a great game of footy tomorrow, I will talk to you about that.”
Quizzed further, Bennett clearly had enough.
“Thanks guy, you had your chance,” he said as he walked off.
Bennett did confirm that prop Matt Lodge (ribs) had been cleared to play the Storm at Suncorp Stadium.
Cronulla recruit Jack Bird remains in the Broncos halves with Kodi Nikorima (hip) starting on the bench against Melbourne.
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